A Ramsbottom school received a visit from inspectors and was rated as ‘good’ just days after a new headteacher started in his post.

An Ofsted team visited Woodhey High School in September and found the school deserved the same rating as the previous inspection in November 2008.

New headteacher Mr Brian Roadnight took over in from previous incumbent Martin Braidley, who had been in the top role for 14 years and retired in July.

Mr Roadnight, who had been the school’s deputy headteacher for six years, said that, although the visit came just seven days into his new position, it did not bring cause for panic.

He said: “I know how the school works so I was not fazed personally by that, but there were new members of staff and a new deputy head.

“Personally I think we have been ready for the inspection for some time, but I was still trying to establish myself as headteacher at the time.”

The Ofsted report praises the academic achievement of pupils, and says that teaching is good, and in some cases outstanding.

The behaviour of pupils was recognised, saying that students were extremely diligent in lessons and keen to learn.

The report states: “Students display a mature, courteous response to adults which is underpinned by mutual respect.

“Behaviour around the school is often exemplary. For example, lunchtimes are orderly social occasions in a dining area with a healthy menu, both designed, in part, by the students.”

Mr Roadnight paid tribute to his predecessor for helping to instill a positive ethos at the school.

He said: “A new headteacher doesn’t do that in seven days. Martin Braidley has done that over a number of years, and I am delighted to be able to carry it on.

“You don’t get that level of behaviour and respect unless you have got a long term ethos.”

Inspectors said the school was not yet ‘outstanding’ because of gaps in achievement between students eligible for financial support, as well as boys and girls.

The report states that boys’ progress in English and Maths compared favourably to the national average, but that some lower attaining boys did not reach their targets.

School management was also praised, with the headteacher, governors and senior leaders being committed to the improvement of pupils, and setting high expectations of staff and students.